Notes From the Field Coatings Maintenance 101: Better Maintenance, Better Performance A By Chasity Johnson, Product Manager for Sto Corp. Photos courtesy of Sto Corp. coat of paint is so much more than a coat of paint. It’s a vibe. It’s a shield. It’s a barrier. It’s the first line of defense against insects and other unwanted guests. It’s a protective shell for a substrate that keeps a building sound. But to be all these things, it must be maintained properly. The good news is that maintain-ing a coating is simple if the building manager follows a few steps. For those building managers who are proactive and are currently planning an exterior paint project, let them know that they’re doing great work! We’ll even cover a few important notes to share with them to consider before their new paint is applied so that the final exterior coating can live up to their expectations from the start. Coatings may not only enhance a building’s appearance by bridging hairline cracks but also boost weather resistance and permeability, offering superior protection against wind-driven rain, UV rays, and mold growth. Maintenance Begins Before You Ever Dip a Brush Before applying a coat of paint, you must take a few steps to ensure it lives up to the manufacturer’s promise. These steps include: 1. Select the right paint for your client’s climate and aesthetic require-ments: Climate affects how a paint performs. If your customer is in a region where the temperature fluctu-ates, which can cause contraction and expansion of the substrate, they may experience cracking down the road. You may need to offer a more flexible coating that can endure the temperature swings. Consider a mold-and mildew-resistant coating if the building is in a humid coastal area, or an elastomeric coating if the building takes direct sunlight all day. If you need the coating to retain its color because it is a brand color, for example, there are paint options that prioritize color retention, such as silicone coatings, which are modified to hold colors better. Many paint types are available, and one will meet your client’s specific requirements. 2. Consider the substrate material: In addition to being mindful of the environmental conditions and aesthetic requirements, you must also consider the substrate. Some coatings are incompatible with various kinds of substrates. For example, exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) require base and finish coats designed to work together. Straying from these guidelines will lead to blistering and even adhesion issues to the substrate itself. So, be sure to choose the right coatings for the substrate. 3. Prep the surface: Once you’ve decided on the perfect paint for your client’s building, it’s time to prep the surface. Start with a visual inspection where you will look for things such as surface inconsistencies, pinholes, and contaminants, like mold or mildew. You’ll want to fill any voids to level the surface and, depending on which contaminants are present, you’ll want to use the appropriate cleaner to rid the surface of those contaminants. If you paint over mold or mildew, it will continue to spread. So, address the underlying problem before applying the material. 4. Choose the application equipment: Depending on the surface you’re painting, you’ll want to consider using a spray gun, brush, roller, or other application equipment. Then, look into the nap length of the brush or roller. Textured or stucco walls 18 SEPTEMBER 2024 COATINGSPROMAG.COM Photos courtesy of Getty Images
CoatingsPro Magazine September 2024: Page 18
